Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, is a prominent American comedian, television host, and actress. Best known for her long-standing role as a co-host on ABC’s “The View,” Behar’s career spans several decades and encompasses various facets of the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Joy Behar was born into a Roman Catholic family of Italian descent, hailing from Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte, Calabria. Her mother, Rose Carbone, worked as a seamstress, while her father, Gino Occhiuto, was a truck driver for Coca-Cola. Growing up as the only child in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Behar was immersed in a culturally rich environment that would later influence her comedic style.
In 1964, Behar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Queens College. She continued her education at Stony Brook University, obtaining a Master of Arts in English Education in 1966. Following her academic pursuits, Behar taught English at Lindenhurst Senior High School on Long Island from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. During this period, she also studied acting at the HB Studio, laying the groundwork for her future in entertainment.
Personal Life and Family
In 1965, Joy married college professor Joe Behar. The couple had a daughter named Eve Behar Scotti. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1981. Joy later became a grandmother to Luca, Eve’s son.
In 1982, Behar began a relationship with Steve Janowitz, and after nearly three decades together, they married in 2011. Behar resides in The Hamptons and also owns a home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She is known for her Democratic political views and has been vocal about various social and political issues throughout her career.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josephine Victoria Occhiuto |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Parents | Rose Carbone (Mother), Gino Occhiuto (Father) |
| Education | BA in Sociology (Queens College), MA in English Education (Stony Brook University) |
| Marital Status | Married to Steve Janowitz (2011–present); previously married to Joe Behar (1965–1981) |
| Children | Eve Behar |
| Grandchildren | Luca |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million (as of 2025) |
Career
Early Career
Behar’s foray into the entertainment industry began in the early 1980s when she worked as a receptionist and later as a producer on “Good Morning America.” Concurrently, she pursued stand-up comedy, performing in various New York comedy clubs.
Her comedic talent led to appearances on television programs such as “The New Show,” a short-lived project by Lorne Michaels, and hosting roles on shows like “Way Off Broadway” and “Live from Queens.” She also had minor roles in films including “Cookie,” “This Is My Life,” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery.”
The View
In 1997, Behar became one of the original panelists on Barbara Walters’ daytime talk show, “The View.” Initially appearing only on days when Walters was off, she eventually became a permanent co-host. Known for her sharp wit and candid opinions, Behar quickly became a fan favorite. She occasionally hosted a segment called “Joy’s Comedy Corner,” showcasing both established and up-and-coming comedians.
In August 2009, Behar, along with her co-hosts, won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. She left the show in 2013 to pursue other projects but returned in 2015 and continues to be a prominent presence on the panel.
Other Ventures
Beyond “The View,” Behar has explored various avenues in the entertainment industry. She hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN from 2009 to 2011 and “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV from 2012 until the channel switched formats in August 2013. In 2015, she launched “Late Night Joy” on TLC, a short-lived weekly late-night talk show.
Behar has also performed in theatrical productions, including “The Food Chain,” “The Vagina Monologues,” and “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.” She wrote a collection of humorous essays titled “Joy Shtick—Or What is the Existential Vacuum and Does It Come with Attachments?” and a children’s book called “Sheetzucacapoopoo: My Kind of Dog.”
In film, Behar portrayed Dr. Lucy in the 2011 comedy “Hall Pass” and recurred in Woody Allen’s Amazon series, “Crisis in Six Scenes.”
Throughout her career, Behar has been recognized for her contributions to television and comedy. Her sharp wit, candid opinions, and ability to engage audiences have solidified her status as a prominent figure in American entertainment.
In recent years, Behar has continued to be a significant presence on “The View,” engaging in discussions on various social and political topics. Her enduring career and dynamic personality have made her a beloved figure among audiences, reflecting her adaptability and relevance in the ever-evolving media landscape.
As of 2025, Joy Behar’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, accumulated through her extensive career in television, comedy, and writing. Her long-standing role on “The View,” along with other hosting gigs and book deals, have significantly contributed to her financial success.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Behar has maintained a vibrant presence both on and off the screen. With her signature red hair and expressive demeanor, she exudes confidence and charisma, attributes that have endeared her to audiences over the decades.
Joy Behar’s enduring career and dynamic personality have solidified her status as a prominent figure in American entertainment. Her contributions continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting her adaptability and relevance in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Joy Behar’s Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1964-1979 | Worked as an English teacher at Lindenhurst Senior High School. |
| 1980s | Began pursuing stand-up comedy, performing in New York clubs. |
| 1981-1983 | Worked as a receptionist and later a producer on “Good Morning America.” |
| 1984 | Started gaining TV exposure with small roles in sitcoms and stand-up comedy specials. |
| 1987-1996 | Made appearances on various TV shows, including “Baby Boom” and “Live from Queens.” |
| 1997 | Became an original panelist on ABC’s “The View.” |
| 2009 | Won a Daytime Emmy Award for “The View.” |
| 2009-2011 | Hosted “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN. |
| 2012-2013 | Hosted “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV. |
| 2013 | Left “The View” to pursue other ventures. |
| 2015 | Returned to “The View” as a permanent co-host. |
| 2015 | Launched her short-lived TLC show, “Late Night Joy.” |
| 2017-2019 | Continued hosting “The View” and appearing in guest roles on TV. |
| 2023-2024 | Remained a key co-host on “The View” and engaged in political commentary. |
| 2025 | Involved in theater with her play, “My First Ex-Husband,” and continues on “The View.” |
Latest News
As of February 2025, Joy Behar has been absent from “The View” for a week, leading to speculation among fans. This absence aligns with her regular schedule, as she typically takes Mondays off. Additionally, Joy missed episodes due to the opening of her Broadway show, “My First Ex-Husband.” She is expected to return to the show on February 11, 2025.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Joy Behar has maintained a vibrant presence both on and off the screen. With her signature red hair and expressive demeanor, she exudes confidence and charisma, attributes that have endeared her to audiences over the decades.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @JoyVBehar | https://twitter.com/JoyVBehar | |
| joyvbehar | https://www.instagram.com/joyvbehar/ |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Joy Behar’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in television, comedy, and writing. Her long-standing role on “The View,” along with other hosting gigs and book deals, have significantly contributed to her financial success.
Joy Behar’s enduring career and dynamic personality have solidified her status as a prominent figure in American entertainment. Her contributions continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting her adaptability and relevance in the ever-evolving media landscape.
FAQS
-
Has Joy Behar ever been married?
Yes, Joy Behar has been married twice. She was first married to Joe Behar from 1965 to 1981. In 2011, she married Steve Janowitz. -
Does Joy Behar have a degree?
Yes, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Queens College and a Master of Arts in English Education from Stony Brook University. -
How rich is Joy Behar?
As of 2025, Joy Behar’s estimated net worth is around $30 million, earned through her career in television, comedy, and writing.
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